Aidan’s home shaping up: Community works to make boy’s residence more assessible

Saturday

Mar 2, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Christina Higginbothamchigginbotham@fosters.com

BERWICK, MAINE — Aidan Bowie, 11, is about to have his life made a whole lot easier thanks to help from the community and a new handicap accessible bathroom.

Two months ago a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bowie household to help Aidan, who was born with severe developmental disabilities, live more accessibly in his home.

Aidan’s parents, Heather and Garreth, have opened their doors to plumbers, electricians, painters — all of whom have donated supplies and labor. The Bowies friends, Talley Westerberg and Sue Adler, have been organizing getting materials and requesting donations. In addition, contractor and friend Jason Lajeunesse sought out donations from companies with which he does business.

“Jason has been so phenomenal and integral to this project,” Westerberg said.

The blue-tiled shower that has just been completed for Aidan is 5 feet by 7 feet. The whole bathroom is waterproof throughout and has a seamless tile floor with no bumps or barriers on the floor. The sink is wall-mounted and accessible to making it easier for Aidan in his wheelchair.

Financial donations for the project thus far are approximately $30,000. Many skilled professionals have been generous with their time and talent, according to Westerberg.

Aidan will be undergoing serious hip alignment surgery next week at Boston Children’s Hospital and will be unable to bear any weight for six weeks while he recovers. While he’s away some doors will be widened and his mother says it is the perfect time.

“Everything has been on right on track,” Heather said. “Even with snowstorms, people have been over here on work days, on weekends, giving us their time.”

Along with renovations to the bathroom, the entrance to the household is being completely rebuilt. A demolition day is scheduled to knock down the front section of the house, allowing Aidan’s chair to move more freely about. Additionally, older brother Liam, who Heather says has been a huge help in his younger brother’s life, will have a new bedroom thanks to renovation rearrangements.

The project is to be completed by this summer.

“When things settle down we want to have an open house for everyone’s hard work. We are so grateful,” said Heather.

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